Come on! Stafford redistricting plan isn't logical

Come on! Stafford redistricting plan isn't logical

Date published: 12/9/2004

As a resident of Stafford Lakes Village, I am concerned about some of the statements made by our representative to the School Board.

On the way home from Fredericksburg last night, I started my odometer at the corner of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17; I ended at the corner of U.S. 17 and Village Parkway, the entrance to Stafford Lakes. The mileage? Just over 4.5 miles. This distance does not include the distance from the front of the development to my house (just under a mile) or the distance from the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17 going north to Stafford High School on U.S. 1.

Does School Board member Robert Belman's districting plan include the purchase of helicopters? Because the only way I could possibly get to Stafford High School from Stafford Lakes in three miles is "as the crows fly."

As far as the distance from Stafford Lakes to Colonial Forge High School, I again set my odometer this morning, and from my Stafford Lakes house to Colonial Forge High School was less than 10 miles.

Belman had also mentioned "dangerous" roads to Colonial Forge High School. I drive Poplar, Kellogg Mill, and Ramoth Church roads daily, and I have yet to witness an accident on them. I have seen accidents on U.S. 17 at a rate of about two a week since I moved to Stafford Lakes. Which dangerous road was Mr. Belman referring to?

Personally, if faced with the choice of sending my child to Stafford High School--a school that "can handle overcrowding"--or Colonial Forge High School--a school that will be at or below capacity if Stafford Lakes and England Run remain at Stafford High School--there is no choice.

As a teacher at Colonial Force High School, I am glad I do not have to face that choice. My child will end up where I am teaching.

George Hartman

Stafford

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Date published: 12/9/2004